Went to visit my grandfather today at a nursing home in VA....he's 91 years
young! He was looking out the window and shared this poem with me. Said he
learned it as a young boy in school. I learned it as well! A precious
memory for me!!

The first time I ever heard this poem was on a Disney movie! Um, I think it
is called 'Melody Time', it is sung on there. Later that day I heard my
husband reciting the poem word for word. It seems that he has loved the
poem ever since grade school, when he first heard it, and even though he
just barely heard me play the movie for the kids, it sparked his memory of
the poem. It really is beautiful! And to hear my husband, as big and gruff
as he is, recite such a lovely and flowing poem, is miraculous!

this porm was certainley written by joyce kilmer although there may be some
similarities to other poems, it is one of a kind. I am pretty sure that
this poem is complete. My grandmother, born in 1910 ( 94 and still alive)
recites this poem often to me. I have never heard more lines then what is
posted here. She has the whole thing memorized and even sings it too!

I'm doing a funeral this Friday for aman who loved trees and asked that
this poem be read during his memorial service. Can anyone else tell me
anything a about this author? Is there another verse beyond what's in the
post?

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